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Age of Expansion: The Ascension Myth #6
Retribution
Sometimes, retribution is a slippery slope towards self-destruction.
When the General Invites Molly and her crew to the ArchAngel, it's not long before news also arrives of a serious threat to the Federation.
It falls to Molly and her team to deal with the threat, which winds up in an intense hostage situation.
Meanwhile, back on Sark, Molly’s team helps Chaakwa along with her unconventional help to bring her father's killers to justice.
Can Molly handle everything thrown at her?
--- PLEASE NOTE ---
Inside this book is cursing, amusing cursing, but cursing nonetheless. If bad language offends you, perhaps this book is not for you.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, Awakening tells an entirely new story in the Age of Expansion--when the Etheric Empire is fast becoming the Etheric Federation with all of the trials and tribulations that come with bringing together different peoples, systems, and ideals.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2017
377 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Ell Leigh Clarke
70 books126 followersRelapsing theoretical physicist, professional geek, sci fi novelist, and Doctor Who fan.
Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.
@ellleighclarke
Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3
Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.
@ellleighclarke
Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 6, 2017
The book starts with Molly visiting the ArchAngel and getting a ‘morale boost’ from Bethany Anne. My problem is I really don’t like the contrived way these books are made to fit in with the original Kurtherian Gambit series. It is probably made worse by the fact that the original series is still ongoing.
Unfortunately we then come to the actual story, a quest to find a missing amulet lost by a self-absorbed idiot. At this point I just gave up.
Unfortunately we then come to the actual story, a quest to find a missing amulet lost by a self-absorbed idiot. At this point I just gave up.
May 10, 2022
Just like the previous five books of this series, Retribution kept me avidly reading, until I reached the end. I did fall asleep, when I first started to read it last night, but that was purely through tiredness, and I knew at the time that I should have waited to start reading this morning! Lol
Be that as it may, I started fresh today, and just couldn't put it down again - do you know how hard it is to try and make a cuppa, while reading? I've got the burn on my hand to prove it! Lol
No, being serious, this did feel like the best of the series, so far, and I loved the way that things came together for the first heist - this really brought everything to a close, not just for Chaakwa, but for Molly, too.
And then Giles comes into the mix!
What that man will do, in order to both protect the Federation but, more importantly, to follow a clue, or puzzle, or even the ghost of one, in order to find out the truth of a legend!
Once again, Molly and her team excelled in their rescue of Giles, and managed to get back to base, with all of her team intact, which was a miracle, I feel!
So, now this is finished, my reading list tells me to go on to book five of Bad Company, and join THW in more adventures, in Destroyer!
Which I'll do, lickety split, as I do love me a good read about Terry and his people! 📖😁
Be that as it may, I started fresh today, and just couldn't put it down again - do you know how hard it is to try and make a cuppa, while reading? I've got the burn on my hand to prove it! Lol
No, being serious, this did feel like the best of the series, so far, and I loved the way that things came together for the first heist - this really brought everything to a close, not just for Chaakwa, but for Molly, too.
And then Giles comes into the mix!
What that man will do, in order to both protect the Federation but, more importantly, to follow a clue, or puzzle, or even the ghost of one, in order to find out the truth of a legend!
Once again, Molly and her team excelled in their rescue of Giles, and managed to get back to base, with all of her team intact, which was a miracle, I feel!
So, now this is finished, my reading list tells me to go on to book five of Bad Company, and join THW in more adventures, in Destroyer!
Which I'll do, lickety split, as I do love me a good read about Terry and his people! 📖😁
September 20, 2017
I love the way certain characters are expanding and becoming something more. You don't find that very often. That's why the Kurtherian Series becomes so additive. I'm still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Bethany Anne to come back swinging. Having extensions like "Age of Expansion", "Reclaiming Honor", "Shades of Glory", "Revelations of Oriceran", "Etheric Recruit", the Nomad Series", and many other sets that are watched over (lovingly) by Michael Anderle. I congratulate all the authors involved in keeping the faith and us (your readers) entertained and breathlessly waiting for new installments of the series or multiple series we love.
Ell Leigh Clarke is an wonderful author, all on her own. To link up with MA and his fabulous world serves as to her writing ability. I always look forward to the author's statements at the end of each book. Gives us more of an idea as to who our authors are. Way to Go!!
Ell Leigh Clarke is an wonderful author, all on her own. To link up with MA and his fabulous world serves as to her writing ability. I always look forward to the author's statements at the end of each book. Gives us more of an idea as to who our authors are. Way to Go!!
May 25, 2025
Contribution introduces new characters and layers a fresh mystery into the ongoing storyline. While these additions are welcome, the series still lacks the sense of tension or stakes that typically drive great science fiction. So far, everything continues to work out almost too perfectly for the main team, which removes much of the suspense.
One of the more compelling elements is how seemingly disparate events begin to reveal deeper connections—a satisfying thread for returning readers. However, the increasingly mystical and religious undertones clash with the scientific framework of the story. This tonal inconsistency undermines the book's potential and may alienate readers who came for hard sci-fi.
Overall, it’s a decent installment that adds to the worldbuilding, but doesn’t quite deliver the excitement or coherence the series needs.
One of the more compelling elements is how seemingly disparate events begin to reveal deeper connections—a satisfying thread for returning readers. However, the increasingly mystical and religious undertones clash with the scientific framework of the story. This tonal inconsistency undermines the book's potential and may alienate readers who came for hard sci-fi.
Overall, it’s a decent installment that adds to the worldbuilding, but doesn’t quite deliver the excitement or coherence the series needs.
March 5, 2019
Excellent series that is an offshoot of the Kurtherian Gambit series and universe. This series is a really fast read and if you liked the Michael Anderle series, then this series will help you to get your fix.
The characters develop well over the course of the series and they stay consistent with the overall theme set by Michael Anderle in the Gambit series. This series stands alone well and you don't have to have read the original series to enjoy these books.
I was glad I actually started reading them once the series was complete, it enabled me to get through the entire series in about a month. While I did miss some sleep, I don't regret it.
The characters develop well over the course of the series and they stay consistent with the overall theme set by Michael Anderle in the Gambit series. This series stands alone well and you don't have to have read the original series to enjoy these books.
I was glad I actually started reading them once the series was complete, it enabled me to get through the entire series in about a month. While I did miss some sleep, I don't regret it.
August 24, 2018
Great, Fun Read
Molly and team are working hard for the General saving the Federation and helping friends resolve issues. Then there is being happy and having fun. How do you do it? I like the action, snarky humor, and trying to find meaning beyond the mission. The characters are intriguing and and intriguing. Molly is particularly interesting. I look forward to the next book.
Molly and team are working hard for the General saving the Federation and helping friends resolve issues. Then there is being happy and having fun. How do you do it? I like the action, snarky humor, and trying to find meaning beyond the mission. The characters are intriguing and and intriguing. Molly is particularly interesting. I look forward to the next book.
December 18, 2018
Like all this series, I can't put them down once I start.
Just a comment on one of your author's notes. There is a BIG difference between being modest and being humble. I lived in NorCal from the time I was 6 until I retired and left the state to live a simpler life (read cheaper.) I'm not in the least bit modest, used to drive my mother fucking nuts. But I'm very humble. I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong and learn from my mistakes. The very definition of humble.
Just a comment on one of your author's notes. There is a BIG difference between being modest and being humble. I lived in NorCal from the time I was 6 until I retired and left the state to live a simpler life (read cheaper.) I'm not in the least bit modest, used to drive my mother fucking nuts. But I'm very humble. I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong and learn from my mistakes. The very definition of humble.
August 30, 2017
Great series
I love the characters and how well everyone seems to work effortlessly with each other. I will be honest and state I love the k
Kurtherian Gambit series and been chasing this high since book one Death becomes Her. No character will ever top the Queen Bit@# but I look forward to reading to see all who tries lol
I love the characters and how well everyone seems to work effortlessly with each other. I will be honest and state I love the k
Kurtherian Gambit series and been chasing this high since book one Death becomes Her. No character will ever top the Queen Bit@# but I look forward to reading to see all who tries lol
August 30, 2017
Another great read!
Molly is evolving into a more emotional person. This book has its funny moments but delves more into the emotions as Molly learns to cope with feeling everyone else's. A very well done story that had me right there in the adventure. Gotta love reading! It is so much more exciting than tv.
Molly is evolving into a more emotional person. This book has its funny moments but delves more into the emotions as Molly learns to cope with feeling everyone else's. A very well done story that had me right there in the adventure. Gotta love reading! It is so much more exciting than tv.
September 2, 2017
MORE, MORE PLEASE!!!!
I Want More!!! ;-), Please, write more about the Sanguine Team! Especially about Phoenix, Talismans, and Joel! What happens to Nail company? What happens to Pieter for a 'social' life? Does our Joel get to be with Molly? Does Brock get a dance partner? Does Molly get to start t
her and Oz's university? I can go on with questions....... ???!!!!
I Want More!!! ;-), Please, write more about the Sanguine Team! Especially about Phoenix, Talismans, and Joel! What happens to Nail company? What happens to Pieter for a 'social' life? Does our Joel get to be with Molly? Does Brock get a dance partner? Does Molly get to start t
her and Oz's university? I can go on with questions....... ???!!!!
September 3, 2017
Another wonderful Kurtherian Gambit Story
These books just keep getting better and better! Every time I think it can't possibly get better, it does! The thing is, it doesn't matter which author or which story is being told, they all just keep getting better and better! I love this whole series!
These books just keep getting better and better! Every time I think it can't possibly get better, it does! The thing is, it doesn't matter which author or which story is being told, they all just keep getting better and better! I love this whole series!
September 4, 2017
I was looking forward to this book and now I'm just ticked off. I loved the whole series but this book did not advance the story line at all. It left you in the same place as the last book. There were a few plot holes in this that weren't carefully worked out. The main character after all this time still makes bad decisions. I enjoy the authors writing style, but tired of feeling depressed.
July 20, 2018
A bit all over the place
This was a very good read, but i had to stop and re-read several times because the scenes skip back and forth, hither and thither, and it started to make my head hurt.
Still worth 4* but please, ease up on the multiple storylines.
This particular book might've been better utilized as a collection.
This was a very good read, but i had to stop and re-read several times because the scenes skip back and forth, hither and thither, and it started to make my head hurt.
Still worth 4* but please, ease up on the multiple storylines.
This particular book might've been better utilized as a collection.
October 21, 2018
Read the Damn Author Notes
Yet another fantastic development of character.
And if you don't avail yourself of the opportunity to read the author notes and see how a cynical 50'ish American and a British physicist get thru the writing process...
You're missing out. What are you doing instead, watching squirrels at a rave?
Yet another fantastic development of character.
And if you don't avail yourself of the opportunity to read the author notes and see how a cynical 50'ish American and a British physicist get thru the writing process...
You're missing out. What are you doing instead, watching squirrels at a rave?
October 24, 2022
A lot happened
Book six has a ton of things happening and a lot of character growth as our heroes continue their behind the scenes work for the Etheric Empire. All of this leads them on some great adventures and of course into danger. Watching Molly learn to deal with actual emotions is a treat. Enjoy!
Book six has a ton of things happening and a lot of character growth as our heroes continue their behind the scenes work for the Etheric Empire. All of this leads them on some great adventures and of course into danger. Watching Molly learn to deal with actual emotions is a treat. Enjoy!
August 30, 2017
Wonderful story
Lots if adventure and excitement. Learning more and more about Molly and crew. They finally solve the problem for Chaakwa. The crew is very good at solving problems. Molly is becoming more in touch with herself.
Lots if adventure and excitement. Learning more and more about Molly and crew. They finally solve the problem for Chaakwa. The crew is very good at solving problems. Molly is becoming more in touch with herself.
August 31, 2017
Another good read
Ms. Clarke continues to produce a good story though the that this one a little short. The hook to the next book could be a little stronger. Still a good read and Molly is continuing to develop. Waiting for some more development in etheric area.
Ms. Clarke continues to produce a good story though the that this one a little short. The hook to the next book could be a little stronger. Still a good read and Molly is continuing to develop. Waiting for some more development in etheric area.
September 19, 2017
Another Love fest
The misadventures of Molly are once again upstaged by the other notes 😎 But loved the story as things are moving along very nicely. Definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
The misadventures of Molly are once again upstaged by the other notes 😎 But loved the story as things are moving along very nicely. Definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
September 3, 2017
This series is amazing
I love all the characters in this series. They are the type of people I would love to hang with. You always make me laugh,but this book almost had me in tears,cause the other author's keep killing people off. I was worried there for a moment.
I love all the characters in this series. They are the type of people I would love to hang with. You always make me laugh,but this book almost had me in tears,cause the other author's keep killing people off. I was worried there for a moment.
September 6, 2017
Mother of Fuck! This is a good book!
Mother of Fuck, hahah! I loved this book and anyone with half a brain will love it to. Best in series and they are all great just getting better every time. BUY THIS BOOK!!!
Mother of Fuck, hahah! I loved this book and anyone with half a brain will love it to. Best in series and they are all great just getting better every time. BUY THIS BOOK!!!
September 22, 2017
I hit the wrong star.!?
I loved this book and have yet to read the rest of them, but will. Well written with some dark humor and good dialogue. Will know more when I have read the rest of the series.
I loved this book and have yet to read the rest of them, but will. Well written with some dark humor and good dialogue. Will know more when I have read the rest of the series.
September 23, 2017
Fun read
I give this book five stars because it was enjoyable to read. I recommend it to anyone to read. I have enjoyed th
I gave a five star rating because it deserved it. Easy to read. Good characters, good storylines.
I give this book five stars because it was enjoyable to read. I recommend it to anyone to read. I have enjoyed th
I gave a five star rating because it deserved it. Easy to read. Good characters, good storylines.
October 5, 2017
KindleUnlimited four and a half+
Enjoyed this book and series! Ms Clarke's storyline is improving. Modern slang seems out of place. Thankfully not everybody is drinking "MOCHA" all the time. 😝😜😵
Enjoyed this book and series! Ms Clarke's storyline is improving. Modern slang seems out of place. Thankfully not everybody is drinking "MOCHA" all the time. 😝😜😵
December 4, 2017
Oh Giles!
Miss Ell, you did it again! Wow, so much going on, our Molly is growing up so fast. They all are. I'm loving this series and hope to see more adventures with Giles. Keep on keepin' on Miss Clarke.
Miss Ell, you did it again! Wow, so much going on, our Molly is growing up so fast. They all are. I'm loving this series and hope to see more adventures with Giles. Keep on keepin' on Miss Clarke.
January 15, 2018
Molly does it again
Well a combination of James Bond and Space Marine what more could you anticipate. Well how about a case of I don't know who or what I am. This series does not disappoint you keeps you anticipating what's next.
Well a combination of James Bond and Space Marine what more could you anticipate. Well how about a case of I don't know who or what I am. This series does not disappoint you keeps you anticipating what's next.
May 7, 2018
The mark of a true leader...
Molly is growing in her leadership role and in her understanding of emotions and inter-relationships. I'm loving the way Ell Leigh is progressing the storyline, and am excited to see what happens next 😊
Molly is growing in her leadership role and in her understanding of emotions and inter-relationships. I'm loving the way Ell Leigh is progressing the storyline, and am excited to see what happens next 😊
July 22, 2018
Love this series, love the author. Running out of ways to express this. One of the reasons I don't like to wait to write my reviews. But it is hard to write a review when you are downloading the next book in the series as fast as your mountain internet will go, I have doubled the squirrels rations of nuts in the hope that the performance will go up, but to no avail. This series is about as good as it gets for empathic science fiction. I put Ell in the Spider Robinson category, freakin wizards, thank all the gods.
November 29, 2018
Molly ROCKS!
Wow less than a week and 6 books read, I am unable to put these books down!
I finished book 5 late last night and said no I won't start the next one yet, cue me sitting at 2am half way through this book lolz!
Wow less than a week and 6 books read, I am unable to put these books down!
I finished book 5 late last night and said no I won't start the next one yet, cue me sitting at 2am half way through this book lolz!
January 25, 2019
Great New Adventxure
I really liked this one as i feel it was an integral part of Molly's ARC and moving out into the wider federation space and issues. Giles seems like some good development with Molly an Team as well although I haven't been near his adventures yet.
I really liked this one as i feel it was an integral part of Molly's ARC and moving out into the wider federation space and issues. Giles seems like some good development with Molly an Team as well although I haven't been near his adventures yet.
June 12, 2020
What an outstanding series! This book shows just how well Molly is fitting into her leadership role and making the hard decisions. The characters are growing, the plot is outstanding, and the story goes on. I highly recommend this book and all the series, so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews